TRUST FUND DONATIONS

The Scharbarth family has set up a trust fund to be used for the education and living expenses for Kathleen Scharbarth’s daughter. Donations can be made to: Madison Scharbarth Fund, California Bank & Trust, Account No. 2300062102,135 Saxony Road, Encinitas CA 92024

San Diego  The brother and sister of a 34-year-old Carlsbad woman who was kidnapped and strangled last week, allegedly by her former boyfriend, thanked those who aided the police investigation Tuesday and said now they are focused on helping their young niece.

Michael Scharbarth, 25, sat beside his sister, Melissa Scharbarth, 31, at a friend’s Carmel Valley law office and talked about their late sister, Kathleen, and the incredible tragedy of having her taken away so suddenly and violently.

“I can’t describe the feelings of pains the family is going through right now,” said Michael Scharbarth as he held his sister’s hand. “We lost Kathy not to old age or anything, but to murder. It has come as such a shock to all of us.”

He said their devastated family was now concentrating on providing for Kathleen’s 13-year-old daughter, Madison, whom they described as a strong and wonderful girl.

Scharbarth said while her family is there for her, the eighth-grader — who looks just like her mother — has in turn been supporting all of them.

Melissa Scharbarth said her niece has cherished memories of her mother who volunteered at her school and rocked out with her in the car.

The younger sibling went on to describe Kathleen as her best friend and the light of her life who had an infectious laugh, which she uses as a ring tone for her phone.

The sister also described Kathleen as a person who loved to help people. On her 16th birthday, she organized an effort to feed the homeless.

On her 34th birthday, she was reported missing.

The family was ready to celebrate the day with presents and a banner and all the birthday trimmings.

“We still have her birthday cake,” Melissa Scharbarth said.

Madison opened one of the presents the other day, a sweater from Nordstrom Rack that had been wrapped in pink paper.

Scharbarth said the most difficult thing was watching her parents suffer.

“My parents did nothing wrong,” Michael Scharbarth said. “They raised a beautiful daughter, they raised a beautiful family, they provided for us and for this to happen… We’re looking for answers and to make sense of all this and there’s nothing,” he said, his voice trailing off.

Kathleen Scharbarth was reported missing Thanksgiving morning by her current boyfriend, who went to her home and found her daughter alone and asleep.

On Friday, Carlsbad investigators arrested her ex-boyfriend, Michael David Robles, 43, of Fallbrook, on suspicion of murder and kidnapping. Scharbarth’s body was found Friday night. She had been strangled, authorities said.

Michael Scharbarth thanked Carlsbad police Detectives Jim Willis and Bryan Hargett and their supervisor, Lt. Matt Magro, for their work on the case, along with sheriff’s officials from San Diego and Orange counties, and local prosecutors.